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Current California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations - SF Bay Region

San Francisco Bay District

Includes San Francisco and San Pablo bays, plus all their tidal bays, tidal portions of their rivers and streams, sloughs and estuaries between the Golden Gate Bridge and Carquinez Bridge

This summary of current regulations was updated on November 16, 2024.

See California ocean sport fishing regulations for complete regulation information, including regulations for species not covered here.

map of San Francisco Bay

Click/tap to enlarge. Note: Map shows state marine protected areas.

Open Fishing Seasons

Rockfish

Please see the San Francisco Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table for current rockfish recreational fishing regulations.

Rockfish Identification Guides (PDFs)(opens in new tab)

Cabezon

Please see the San Francisco Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table for current cabezon(opens in new tab) recreational fishing regulations.

Kelp Greenling, Rock Greenling

Please see the San Francisco Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table for current kelp greenling(opens in new tab) and rock greenling(opens in new tab) recreational fishing regulations.

Lingcod

Please see the San Francisco Management Area Recreational Groundfish Regulations Summary table for current lingcod(opens in new tab) recreational fishing regulations.

Leopard Shark

The recreational fishery for leopard shark(opens in new tab) (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round, at all depths. The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length. For complete regulation information, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.

The leopard shark is part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View additional groundfish information.

Pacific Sanddab and Other Flatfish

The recreational fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab(opens in new tab) (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole(opens in new tab) (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole(opens in new tab) (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole(opens in new tab) (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF)(opens in new tab) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole(opens in new tab) (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole(opens in new tab) (Psettichthys melanostictus). For complete regulation information, including size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.

Pacific sanddab and other flatfish are part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View additional groundfish information.

Petrale Sole and Starry Flounder

The recreational fisheries for petrale sole (Eopsetta jordani) and starry flounder(opens in new tab) (Platichthys stellatus) are open year-round to all anglers and divers. There are no depth restrictions or bag limits for petrale sole or starry flounder. For complete regulation information, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.

Petrale sole and starry flounder are part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View additional groundfish information.

California Scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin)

The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish(opens in new tab) (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round, at all depths. The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with a minimum size limit of 10 inches total length. For complete regulation information, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.

The California scorpionfish is part of a group of fish known as groundfish, which includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View additional groundfish information.

Other Federally Managed Groundfish

The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark(opens in new tab), Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish(opens in new tab), skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting(opens in new tab), sablefish(opens in new tab), and thornyheads) are open year-round, at all depths. For complete regulation information, including size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.

The groundfish group includes over 90 species that live on or near the bottom of the ocean (with a few exceptions). View additional groundfish information.

California Halibut

The recreational fishery for California halibut(opens in new tab) (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round. The daily bag and total possession limit is two fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County. The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.

Sturgeon

Catch-and-Release Fishing Only for White Sturgeon. The recreational fishery for white sturgeon(opens in new tab) (Acipenser transmontanus) is open from October 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in ocean waters, except for the long-standing closure described in CCR T14, Section 27.95. The daily bag and possession limit for white sturgeon is zero (0) fish. The annual limit is zero (0) sturgeon per person.

White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately. Sturgeon shall not be held out of water suspended by the gills, gill plates, mouth, or solely by the tail, and shall not be dragged across the ground, boat decks, or piers, regardless of size.

No snare may be used to assist in taking sturgeon. Only one single barbless hook may be used on a line to take sturgeon. The sturgeon must voluntarily take the bait or lure in its mouth. No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms. Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm to assist in landing or killing any sturgeon. Any person fishing for sturgeon shall have in their possession a non-transferable Sturgeon Fishing Report Card and complete it in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 27.93.

For further information on fishing for white sturgeon, visit the CDFW website.

Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be removed from the water, taken, or possessed at any time. Green sturgeon must be released immediately without being removed from the water.

Striped Bass

The recreational fishery for striped bass(opens in new tab) (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches total length. No striped bass may be taken while using a sinker weighing over four pounds, or while using any power-driven gurdy or winch.

White Seabass

The recreational fishery for white seabass(opens in new tab) (Atractoscion nobilis) remains open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is three fish. The minimum size limit is 28 inches total length or 20 inches alternate length.

Sharks (State-managed)

Open year-round, except that white sharks(opens in new tab) (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time. The bag limits for sixgill shark (YouTube)(opens in new tab) (Hexanchus griseus) and broadnose sevengill shark(opens in new tab) (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark(opens in new tab) (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher shark(opens in new tab) (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark(opens in new tab) (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.

Surfperch

The recreational fishery for surfperch(opens in new tab)(PDF) (family Embiotocidae) is open from August 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. The daily bag and possession limit is five fish in combination of all species (except shiner perch). Shiner perch(opens in new tab) (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish. Redtail surfperch(opens in new tab) (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.

View surfperch regulations for outside of San Francisco Bay.

Identification Guide: Common Surfperches of California(opens in new tab) (PDF)

Pacific Herring

The recreational fishery for Pacific herring (PDF)(opens in new tab) (Clupea pallasi) is open year-round. Ten gallons of Pacific herring may be taken per day (approximately 100 lb. or 520 fish). No specialized measuring device is required.

Rock Crab

NOTE: A recreational Fleet Advisory is in effect statewide. Avoid setting traps in areas where whales are present, and follow best practices for using crab traps(opens in new tab).

The recreational fishery for all rock crab species, including red crab(opens in new tab) (Cancer productus), yellow crab(opens in new tab) (Metacarcinus anthonyi) and brown crab(opens in new tab) (Romaleon antennarium) is open year-round, statewide. The daily bag limit is 35 crab, and the minimum size limit is 4 inches. Review crab measurement methods (PDF)(opens in new tab) and the current California ocean sport fishing regulations for more rock crab fishing information.

See additional information about rock crab and other species of crab.

Clams

During the open season, clams may be taken from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Each person must dig only their own limit of clams. Each person is required to keep a separate container for their clams and not commingle with clams taken by another person. Hydraulic pumps may not be used to take clams(opens in new tab), and may not be possessed anywhere clams may be taken. It is unlawful to be on any clam beach with any instrument capable of being used to dig clams during the closed night time hours.

Review ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, seasons, and other regulations that apply for various species of clam.

Mussels

The recreational season for California sea mussel(opens in new tab) (Mytilus californianus) and bay mussel (Mytilus trossulus) remains open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 pounds (in the shell) of California sea mussels and bay mussels in combination. For complete regulation information, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.

Note that the California Department of Public Health monitors and annually quarantines mussels(opens in new tab) to prevent human cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid(opens in new tab) poisoning; however, warnings advising consumers not to eat recreationally taken shellfish may be issued at any time. The annual quarantine is usually in effect from May through October, and applies only to sport-harvested mussels intended for human consumption. For updated information on warnings, advisories, and quarantines concerning naturally-occurring shellfish toxins, call CDPH's toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or check CDPH's recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map(opens in new tab). You can also review CDFW's Finfish and Shellfish Health Advisories page.

Bay Shrimp (Grass Shrimp)

Limit: Five pounds.

Ghost Shrimp and Blue Mud Shrimp

Limit: 50 in combination of species.

Herring Eggs

There is a 25-pound (including plants) wet weight limit on the take of herring eggs.

Kelp

The daily bag limit on all marine aquatic plants for which the take is authorized is 10 pounds wet weight in the aggregate, except that 25 pounds of herring eggs on kelp may be collected. No eelgrass(opens in new tab), surfgrass(opens in new tab), or sea palm(opens in new tab) may be cut or disturbed at any time.

Other Species

See California ocean sport fishing regulations for complete regulations, including regulations for species not covered here.

Closed Fishing Seasons

Ocean Salmon

The recreational fishery for ocean salmon(opens in new tab) (Onchorynchus spp.) will remain closed throughout 2024. More information is available on the CDFW Ocean Salmon Seasons web page.

Pacific Halibut

The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut(opens in new tab) (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is closed as of November 15, 2024. For further information about Pacific halibut, visit the CDFW Pacific halibut web page.

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab(opens in new tab) (Metacarcinus magister) may not be taken from, or possessed if taken from, San Francisco and San Pablo bays at any time.

Abalone

The recreational fishery for red abalone (Haliotis sp.) is closed year-round south of the mouth of San Francisco Bay. For more information about red abalone, visit the Invertebrate Management Project page.

Fishing in San Francisco Bay

  • While fishing in San Francisco and San Pablo bays you can only use one fishing line with no more than three separate hooks or lures, unless fishing from a public pier (see below)
  • When fishing from a boat, fishing is restricted to daylight hours only (one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset).
  • While fishing from public piers inside San Francisco and San Pablo bays you cannot use more than two rods and lines, two hand lines, or two nets, traps or other appliances used to take crabs.
  • Every person, while taking invertebrates (crabs, clams) that have a size limit, shall carry a device which is capable of accurately measuring the size of the species taken.
  • Check for San Francisco Bay fish and shellfish consumption advisories on the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's website.

Groundfish - Additional Information

Groundfish Angler and Diver Definitions

  • Boat-based anglers are fishermen angling from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
  • Shore-based anglers are fishermen angling from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other manmade objects connected to the shore. No vessel or watercraft (motorized or non-motorized) may be used to assist in taking or possessing federally-managed groundfish species and greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos, while angling from shore.
  • Divers are scuba or free divers with or without spearfishing gear, entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object. Except for spearfishing gear, all other types of fishing gear are prohibited aboard a vessel or non-motorized watercraft while diving or spearfishing for the purpose of retaining federally managed groundfish species and greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos during a seasonal closure for boat-based anglers.

The recreational fisheries for federally managed groundfish species, greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos (and Pacific halibut, which is not a federally managed groundfish species) may close early if the annual harvest guideline for any one species or group of species is met or is expected to be met prior to the end of the year. Check this website regularly for the latest information.

Federally managed groundfish species that may not be taken and/or possessed in part of a groundfish management area (for example, in a state or federal marine reserve, or other closed area) may be possessed aboard a vessel in transit through the closed area with no fishing gear deployed in the water.

Marine Protected Areas - Additional Information

In addition to the fishing regulations presented here (and in California Code of Regulations and California Fish and Game Code), marine protected area (MPA) regulations may further restrict or prohibit sport fishing within MPAs. MPA regulations, maps, and coordinates are available on the CDFW website. You can also pick up an MPA brochure at your local CDFW office. Information about California MPAs is also available on the mobile device-friendly Ocean Sport Fishing and Marine Protected Area Regulations web page.

Additional Resources

2024 Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations (PDF)2022-2023 Ocean Sport Fishing Regulation Booklet (PDF)(opens in new tab)

Visit our Ocean Sport Fishing web page for sport fishing regulations, fish identification resources, how-to videos, maps, and other useful fishing information.

cell phone Try our Ocean Sport Fishing Interactive Web Map(opens in new tab) on your next fishing trip! Find fishing regulations, marine protected areas, groundfish conservation area depth restrictions, and more from your cell phone!

Marine Region (Region 7)
Regional Manager: Dr. Craig Shuman
Main Office: 20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100, Monterey, CA  93940
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